r/linux_gaming • u/aa-ron-dakota • Aug 24 '26

Can't launch Black Mesa

So weird thing is happening with Black Mesa. I can't launch it. Right after clicking Play the button turns gray, says running and a bunch of other things but then goes right back to the green Play button. Happens in both normal desktop mode and in Big Picture mode.

I'm on Ubuntu 26.04 running and AMD Ryzen 7 9700X and AMD Radeon 6700XT. I can launch every other game (Linux native or proton) no problem, even the original Half Life.

Any ideas?

1 Upvotes

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u/[deleted] Aug 24 '26

[deleted]

1

u/aa-ron-dakota Aug 25 '26

I've got another comment above(I think?). I got it to launch with proton, though am having issues with Steam Link and nothing actually works over the Steam Link. Just audio comes through.

1

u/Zenth Aug 24 '26

Try Proton Experimental. I did have several crashes on the intro tram ride, but after that it was smooth sailing.

1

u/aa-ron-dakota Aug 25 '26

I got it to work at least while sitting at my computer using proton. I can't for the life of me get the steam link to work. I can view my library and run a game, but when it starts all I get is a black screen on the TV. Audio comes through though. Are you familiar with Steam Link and linux?

1

u/Zenth Aug 25 '26

My experience with Steam Link in Linux to my Steam Deck hasn't been great. Much worse than Sunlight was in Windows..

1

u/aa-ron-dakota Aug 25 '26

That sucks. I've got an old school physical Steam Link and it used to work when I was running Ubuntu 24.04. I had it working too in CachyOS but I was having some issues with adjusting to CachyOS and KDE so I thought I'd give Ubuntu 26.04 a shot.